What is an empty home?

A long-term empty home is any privately owned home that has been empty for six months or more.

Empty homes are wasted resources that could be used to help meet housing need. They can also cause problems for residents living nearby and can have a negative impact on the wider community.

Bringing empty homes back into use can increase housing supply, improve community safety and contribute to regeneration.

What is the council's role with empty homes?

It is an owner's responsibility to look after their property. However, if a home gets "stuck" and is empty for a long time, we can work with owners to provide advice and assistance. The aim is to find the best ways to bring empty properties back into use.

Our Empty Homes Officer will be able to provide information on what options are available to you.

Report an empty property

If you have concerns about an empty property, you can report it through the Scottish empty homes partnership. Alternatively you can contact our Empty Homes Officer.